Can I Get Married Without a Marriage License?
If you’re planning to get married but are wondering whether you can skip the paperwork, you’re not alone. Many couples—especially those facing urgent deadlines for immigration, military benefits, housing, or international travel—ask the same question: “Can I get married without a marriage license?” The short answer is: No, you cannot be legally married in California without a marriage license. But there are legal, fast, and even confidential solutions available.
This detailed guide, brought to you by Get Married Today, is essential for any couple needing urgent legal documentation and seeking clarity about marriage licenses.
What Is a Marriage License and Why Is It Required?
A marriage license is a legal document issued by a government authority (usually the county clerk) that permits two people to get legally married. You must get the license before your wedding ceremony. After your ceremony, the license must be signed by an authorized officiant and submitted back to the county for your marriage to be officially recorded.
Without this crucial step, your marriage is not legally valid. A marriage license is the gateway to obtaining your marriage certificate, which is what you’ll need for everything from name changes to immigration applications.
Can I Have a Wedding Ceremony Without a License?
Yes, you can have a symbolic or spiritual wedding ceremony without a license—but it will have no legal weight. Religious institutions may perform a wedding based on their own standards, but unless there is a marriage license issued and signed, your union will not be legally recognized by the state.
This is important for couples who need proof of legal marriage for things like:
- Immigration petitions
- Military spousal benefits
- Tax filings
- Insurance enrollment
- Inheritance rights
- Housing applications
If any of these apply to you, a symbolic wedding simply won’t be enough.
What Happens If I Get Married Without a License?
If you go through a wedding ceremony without a license:
- Your marriage is not legally recognized
- You will not receive a marriage certificate
- Government agencies (USCIS, DMV, IRS, etc.) will reject your marriage as invalid
- You may have to go through the entire legal process again—this time with the proper documentation
Trying to “backdate” a license is also not allowed. The law requires that the license be issued before the ceremony takes place.
What About Common Law Marriage?
Some people believe that living together for several years automatically makes you legally married. This concept is called common law marriage, and it is not recognized in California. Even in states where common law marriage is allowed, the requirements are strict and proving such a relationship can be difficult and costly.
California law is clear: If you want to be legally married, you must:
- Obtain a valid marriage license
- Have a legally authorized officiant perform your ceremony
- Submit the signed license to the county
Are There Exceptions?
No. There are no exceptions to the marriage license requirement in California. Whether you’re having a courthouse wedding, a beach elopement, or a private ceremony at home, the marriage will not be legally valid unless you have a license.
Confidential Marriage Licenses
For couples who want a private, legal marriage, California offers confidential marriage licenses. These licenses:
- Do not appear in public records
- Require that the couple lives together
- Can be issued and signed on the same day
Get Married Today is authorized to issue both public and confidential marriage licenses on-site. This means you can get married legally and privately without ever setting foot in a courthouse.
How Fast Can I Get Legally Married?
California has no waiting period, which means you can:
- Get a marriage license
- Have your ceremony
- Receive your proof of marriage
All on the same day.
At Get Married Today, we specialize in same-day marriage services, including:
- License issuance
- Legally binding ceremonies
- Document filing
- Apostille processing for international use
Can I Get Married Today?
Absolutely. Here’s how:
- Schedule an Appointment: Use GetMarried.Today to select your time and location.
- Bring Your ID: Valid photo ID is required.
- Get Your License: We issue it on the spot.
- Get Married: We perform the legal ceremony.
- Receive Proof: You’ll get proof of marriage immediately and the official certificate in the mail.
No courthouse. No waiting. No hassle.
What About Apostille for International Use?
If you’re marrying for immigration or relocating abroad, you’ll likely need your marriage certificate apostilled. This certifies your marriage for use in foreign countries.
Our partner service, Your Local Notary Public, can apostille your marriage certificate through the California Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State (for federal use).
Real Life: Couples Who Needed Legal Marriages Immediately
- Military Couples: Spouses needed legal marriage certificates to enroll in DEERS and access military housing.
- Immigration Clients: Fiancés needed a legal marriage to begin their adjustment of status process.
- International Travelers: Couples had to submit proof of legal marriage for visa applications.
Without a legal marriage license, none of their needs could have been met.
Why Choose Get Married Today?
- We’re licensed to issue marriage licenses in California
- We perform legal marriage ceremonies
- We offer confidential marriage options
- We file your paperwork for you
- We provide apostille services
- We’re open 7 days a week, 24/7, including holidays
Whether you’re facing a tight deadline, a legal requirement, or just want to marry quickly and privately, Get Married Today is your one-stop solution.
Final Word: You Need a License to Be Legally Married
To reiterate: You cannot get legally married in California without a marriage license. But getting that license doesn’t have to be difficult, time-consuming, or public.
With Get Married Today, you can:
- Get your marriage license and ceremony in one visit
- Keep your marriage private
- Get legally married today
- Apostille your certificate for international use
Don’t delay. Book now and get married today—legally and officially.
👉 Visit GetMarried.Today to schedule your legal same-day wedding